UH Granted Final Approval for Doctoral Degree in Music

The University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa‘s (UHM) Music Department was recently granted final approval for its Ph.D. program by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The program at the Manoa campus offers a Ph.D. in Music with an emphasis in composition, music education, ethnomusicology or musicology.

"This has been in the works for 12 years," explained Thomas Bingham, Acting Chair of the Music Department. A Ph.D. program receives final approval, or becomes officially recognized, by NASM when the program graduates two individuals.

In its notification of final approval, NASM commended UHM for the development of a unique curriculum that integrates so fully the study and teaching of World Music with Composition and Music Education, as well as Musicology.

"The Ethnomusicology Program at the University of Hawaiʻi is one of the most highly respected programs in the country," says Jane Moulin, Professor of Ethnomusicology at UHM. "For many years, UHM has been innovative and pioneering in the application of ethnomusicology to music education at all levels. The final approval of this degree program establishes UHM at the forefront of promoting musical pluralism in the professional curriculum."

In addition to culture-specific courses and seminars that engage students in the current theoretical issues of the field, the program offers an incredible array of experiences, including classes in Hawaiian hula and chant, Japanese koto and gagaku (Japanese court music), Okinawan traditional music, Chinese instruments, Hawaiian Chorus, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, and Korean kayagum, in addition to courses in the music and dance of Tahiti and Samoa.

"This new degree program prepares all Ph.D. students to participate in a global society," says Moulin. "Official recognition [of the program] allows the University to retain and attract the next generation of leaders in music."

NASM was founded in 1924 for the purposes of securing a better understanding among institutions of higher education engaged in work in music; of establishing a more uniform method of granting credit; and of developing and maintaining basic threshold standards for the granting of degrees and other credentials. NASM fulfills these purposes through accreditation, consultation, institutional